All female multiple cat home

by gomby7777
(alabama)

hi -

for almost 13 years i had just 2 female cats -they were never best of friends but have tolerated each other fairly well.

They have been with me everyone - 2 countries, 3 states and multiple apartments while its not fun they seem to handle it ok.

About 9 months ago i found a little female about 5 yrs old living in the parking lot of my apartment covered in car grease. i had to catch her - took her into my laundry room, rushed her ot the vet multiple of times ot get her fixed and healthy, she has since beein introduce to my 2 eldest cats. so far there is batting of paws and hissing but nothing like that resembles a real battle.

about 3 months ago living amongst feral cats i found another female cat covered in feces, skin peeling from her paws and maggots feeding on her dead flesh, i captured her, got her to the vet, had every test done on her to get her cleaned up. She is doing ok, her patchy fur is growing back in, the paws are only slightly deformed but you can't really tell if i didn't point it out.

i had ever intention of giving her up to the shelter but she isn't very pretty, a tailless cat (she is a manx) and is about 5-7 years old. i don't think anyone will adopt and the thought of her living in a cage for the rest of her life upset.

i am now trying to living a household of cats that are all fixed, not all getting alot and feeling very overwhelmed. My manx cat seems to be ok with all cats except with one of my 13 year old cats..she just goes on the attack.

i have been luck so far and have not experienced cat spray and have only 1 accident outside the litterboxes. (i didn't clean them out in time and have learned my lesson)

I am deathly afraid of cat spraying and battling urine. i am already cleaning and washing everyday to keep cat fur to a minimum.

i've got feliway diffusers everywhere, invested into 2 very expensive air purifiers so my apartment doesn't smell like a litter box, am using bach's pet rememdy to keep everyone calm.

i am feeling extremely overwhelmed and really want to find a really home for my manx as she is the last kitty in but no luck.

i am really hoping this works but i don't know how to get there.

any luck on how ot get my cats to tolerate each other and keep stress to a minimum?

RESPONSE:

It sounds like you are already doing all the right things. It takes time, especially with the introduction of adults. The Manx cat has been through a lot and is likely reacting to her prior experiences with other cats when she was outside. Try offering more play time and treats when they are together and be patient. If you truly can't handle having so many cats, a local shelter is an option. Hopefully, with time, you won't need to use that option. Good Luck.

Donna - House Full Cats Mom